Why do things go viral on YouTube? : A select-few video posts somehow manage to achieve millions of hits

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Some videos go viral on YouTube, a social media user platform which attracts more than 100 new uploads every minute. This article examines factors that play a key role in the virality phenomenon and – without considering actual content – looks at why some videos take off in quite extraordinary ways. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.